unable to ping

hi.
i’m trying to nmap a machine and I get the massage below:
Error #487: Your port specifications are illegal. Example of proper form: “-100,200-1024,T:3000-4000,U:60000-”
QUITTING!

i connected to vpn and i ping the Ip but ping failed!!!
what can i do?

try typeing your ping request without -p$ports

Don’t rely on the script some people use to run two nmap scans. Unless you are in a real rush, just use nmap once.